HEP C ADVOCATE NETWORK, INC.

“HEPCAN”.

HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

HEP C ADVOCATE NETWORK, INC., (HEPCAN), a non profit 501(c)(3) national organization, started in Longview, Texas by persons living with the virus known as Hepatitis C (HCV), persons with loved ones living with HCV and medical professionals working in the field of HCV on a daily basis. We are an all-voluntary organization and rely on donations and grants.

HepCAN was incorporated in the summer of 1998 and granted non-profit status in July 1999. Each Board of Directors brings unique talents to the table and is actively addressing the problem of awareness, education and legislative efforts to confront this growing epidemic in the United States.

In 1999, HepCAN members testified in front of the Texas Legislature, House Health Committee and provided education to House and Senate members on the growing need for public funding for statewide education and HCV screenings for the uninsured and working poor.

What resulted was Texas Bill 1652, which to this day the largest and most comprehensive bill any state has passed with a line item budget of $3.5 million. In the fall, 2000, the bill was totally enacted within screening and counseling sites throughout Texas, professional and public education materials and programs, based on Texas Department of Health seroprevelance testing results. The Texas Department of Health was instructed to form a Work Group Committee on which HepCAN serves on, as well as the Public Awareness Subcommittee and the Professional Education Subcommittee. Our participation is to advise and advocate for persons living with HCV.

The Counsel of State Governments has deemed Texas Bill 1652 the model bill for HCV. HepCAN supported bills during the 2001 Texas legislative session for mandatory 2 hour HCV educational training of nurses and substance abuse counselors. HepCAN also supported Bill 338, which will design a plan for future treatment, integration of all state agencies regarding HCV policies, as well as testifying for Harm Reduction.

Over the past two years HepCAN has formed partnerships with Texas Medical Association, Texas Nurses Association and Centers for Disease Control to provide professional education programs aimed at providing the latest information to all primary care physicians and nurses, as well as meetings to update specialists on the most recent research and treatment options.

HepCAN and Texas Nurses Association have launched the “Nurses Education Project” which is now mandatory for all RNs to renew their licenses in Texas prior to June 2004.

HepCAN is working on future projects that include integration of HIV/AIDS groups in several states regarding co-infection and programs for substance abuse and HCV education and training.

HepCAN has presented programs during Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conferences in Washington DC, San Diego, Richmond and Atlanta, and the National Institute of Health’s Hepatitis C Consensus Conference. Along with the National Hepatitis C Advocacy Council, HepCAN has met with the leading researchers at NIH. We have participated in conferences presented by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), University of Texas Southwestern, Hepatitis Magazine Conference and many presentations at support groups across the country.

HepCAN is currently working within other states, which include Oregon, Delaware, California, Louisiana and Colorado and several other states advocating similar bills for education, seroprevelance testing, public screening and treatment for the uninsured and public awareness programs. HepCAN visits leaders in Washington on a continuing basis to educate and advocate for funding of research, national education and awareness programs, as well as treatment options.

HepCAN serves as a member of the National Hepatitis Advocacy Council. The Council includes over twenty HCV groups including the American Liver Foundation, Hepatitis Foundation International, the Caring Ambassadors, Texas Liver Coalition and Hep C Connection to name a few. The Council will be a national voice working in Washington to provide more dollars to care for persons with HCV, research and national educational programs.

HepCAN works with a highly recognized Medical Advisory Board and is expanding the Advisory Board as well as the Board of Directors and volunteers nationwide.

For more information regarding Hep C Advocate Network, Inc. (HepCAN) contact us at information@hepcan.org, or write us at 1821 Clinton, Longview, Texas 75604, (903) 291-9700.

WE WELCOME ALL DONATIONS.